Entrepreneurship is about individuals improving their lives and the lives of those in their communities through good ideas, hard work, and a little bit of luck. Their success often creates jobs, brings new products and services to market, as well as gives people a stake in seeing their local communities thrive. The Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) has served as a platform, annually, to highlight the best practices of the U.S. start-up ecosystem as well as showcase the innovation and fresh perspectives needed to generate new approaches to 21st century problems. The summit has also been a useful tool for providing investments and other support that has contributed to job growth and prosperity globally.

If you ask any previous delegate or attendee they will tell you, attending GES is a unique opportunity. Through targeted skills training, mentorship, master classes, industry meetings, networking, and pitch competitions entrepreneurs and investors alike have made a positive impact resonating far beyond the two days in November. GES 2017 in Hyderabad, India this fall, will highlight the accomplishments and contributions of female entrepreneurs and thought-leaders who have demonstrated an interest in or ability to drive innovation in four industries: energy and infrastructure, healthcare and life sciences, the digital economy and financial technology, as well as media and entertainment.

Building on the success of last year’s summit in Silicon Valley, at GES 2017 we hope to continue to foster an environment that supports the development and success of U.S. entrepreneurs. With that in mind, here are five reasons why entrepreneurs in the United States should apply for an invitation to attend #GES2017:

1. GES provides a multitude of opportunities to grow your business. From panels sharing best practices, workshops which offer solutions to common startup challenges, one-on-one meetings with investors, or an opportunity to join the pitch competition — everyone from early-stage startups to companies looking to scale up and break into new markets stand to gain from participating in GES.

2. GES expands your network. You’ll have direct access to investors, mentors, and a community of diverse entrepreneurs who are looking to partner with you. Connect with a global audience instantly and make connections that will last well beyond your time in Hyderabad!

3. Gain in-depth insight and explore opportunities into the four innovative, high-growth industries featured at GES 2017 — energy and infrastructure, healthcare and life sciences, the digital economy and financial technology, as well as media and entertainment. GES 2017 will convene entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem supporters together for two days of high-impact education, demonstrations and experiences focused exclusively on these four areas.

4. Join the growing global community of GES participants! GES alumni are a tight-knit group of diverse leaders and innovators working to advance their communities and create jobs all over the world. Surrounding GES, participants foster dialogues, organize events and meetups, support one another, and build lifelong friendships using a series of online tools to communicate and support one another. Why not join them?!

5. Hyderabad, this year’s summit host, is the capital city of the state of Telangana and home to many major American and international companies. It is also home to T-Hub, India’s largest start-up incubator. GES 2017 will help participating U.S. companies better understand India’s new business start-up culture.

Solving our most pressing problems, whether local, national or global, is going to take every good idea that we can generate. That’s why we need to ensure that budding entrepreneurs are nurtured and encouraged to put their energy and vision to work collectively. Will you join us?

U.S. entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for an invitation to attend GES 2017 at: https://gesus2017.startupcompete.co/. The deadline for applications for U.S. entrepreneurs is Sunday, September 24, 2017.